Eglin Youth Fishing Rodeo starts May 24

  • Published
  • By Jerron Barnett
  • Eglin Environmental Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Children 13 years and younger should have their bait and fishing poles ready for Eglin's second annual Youth Fishing Rodeo event at Prisoner Pond on Memorial Day weekend, May 24-25.

A quota of 50 participants will be implemented for each three-hour fishing period on both days to promote quality and ensure safety for all participants. The fishing periods are: 7 to 10 a.m., noon to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Parents must call (850) 882-4165 or 4166 May 14 through May 24 to sign their children up to a specific time period on a first-come, first-served basis. Jackson Guard permit sales clerks will provide any additional information such as driving directions at that time. A daily creel limit of five catfish will apply.

The partnership of Eglin Natural Resources Management at Jackson Guard, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Army's 6th Ranger Training Battalion are currently finalizing the plan to provide what they hope is a worthwhile experience to young fishing enthusiasts, Mr. Justin Johnson, outdoor recreation program manager, said.

"This event is specifically for children within the communities that surround Eglin," Mr. Johnson said. "Fishing is a fantastic way to spend quality time with children in an atmosphere free from the stress and interruptions of everyday life."

USFWS personnel will be present to disseminate educational information about various aspects of Eglin's ecosystem to participants. They will also weigh fish and help monitor the event.

Prisoner Pond is approximately five acres in size and is located in the 6th RTB compound. The pond will be stocked with approximately 3,000 channel catfish from the USFWS Welaka National and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Blackwater Fish Hatcheries.

"With all these fish, we hope it will be a 'put your hook in, pull catfish out' kind of deal for the children," Mr. Johnson said. "Last year's event was a true success, so we are aiming for another truly enjoyable experience."